Jharkhand: Champai Soren’s Cabinet Expansion on Feb 16

Jharkhand Government to Induct New Faces, Deputy CMs

The upcoming cabinet expansion under Champai Soren’s leadership in Jharkhand marks a significant reshuffle with new deputies and ministers poised for induction.

RANCHI – The cabinet of Champai Soren’s government in Jharkhand is set for an expansion on February 16, introducing four to five new faces.

Among the newcomers, two will be accorded the status of Deputy Chief Minister, representing both the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress party.

Alamgir Alam, already a part of Hemant Soren’s cabinet from the Congress quota, was sworn in alongside CM Champai Soren on February 2.

Speculation is rife about the replacement of two out of the remaining three ministers from the Congress quota, including Dr. Rameshwar Oraon, the former Minister of Finance and Planning, and Food Supply and Public Distribution, who at 76, might be considered for replacement due to age criteria.

Oraon’s recent praises for Babulal Marandi, the BJP state president and Jharkhand’s first Chief Minister, have sparked discussions within the Congress camp.

Banna Gupta, another minister under scrutiny, has faced controversy over a viral video and allegations of departmental irregularities, despite being a vocal figure in the Congress faction.

Badal Patralekh might be replaced by Deepika Pandey Singh from the Santhal Pargana area, acknowledging her strong claim supported by her alignment with the Rahul Gandhi camp.

The inclusion of women in the cabinet has been a longstanding demand, with Deepika Pandey Singh, among the state’s 17 Congress MLAs, being a prominent female figure.

Purnima Neeraj Singh and Amba Prasad are also contenders for cabinet positions, awaiting the final decision from the party’s high command.

In the JMM faction, Hemant Soren’s siblings, Basant Soren and Sita Soren, are in contention for ministerial positions, with discussions suggesting a possible non-cabinet role for Sita Soren.

Jharkhand’s legislative framework allows for a maximum of 12 ministers, with Hemant Soren’s government previously consisting of 11 ministers.

This cabinet reshuffle is poised to infuse new energy and possibly realign the government’s priorities, reflecting the dynamic political landscape of Jharkhand.